It’s probably no surprise to any pet owner that pets can have allergies just as humans do. Most of us have almost certainly encountered the dreaded flea allergy, when a dog or cat is driven so crazy by fleas that they scratch themselves raw. That allergy can be controlled relatively easily by eliminating fleas from the pet and environment, usually with the help of veterinarian prescribed flea medications. Other allergies, though, can be difficult, expensive and time consuming to diagnose.

The ASPCA has a checklist for dogs and cats that includes information on allergens, their causes and symptoms. The list is probably longer than you thought it could be. Allergies in pets as well as in humans seem to be on the rise in recent years and, as in humans, can appear at any point in your furry companion’s life. If your dog or cat is suddenly scratching incessantly, has a seemingly endless series of ear infections or manifests other puzzling symptoms such as vomiting or coughing, it’s time for a trip to the vet and a discussion of allergies. You may want to consult a pet allergist; your vet will have recommendations.

Food allergies can be possibly the most frustrating allergies for both the pet and the owner. Food allergies are the likely culprit in dogs with ongoing ear infections and cats who vomit on a frequent and regular basis. Both cats and dogs are often allergic to grains such as wheat, corn or soy. More surprisingly, they’re also often allergic to chicken and beef. Commercial pet foods, as you know if you’ve ever tried to read an ingredient label, are full of possible allergens.

The first step in figuring out which specific ingredient is causing your pets symptoms is an elimination diet. An elimination diet is a very simple diet that consists, for dogs, of one protein and one starch or for cats of just one or two protein types. While this wouldn’t be healthy to feed forever, it’s fine for the 6 weeks needed to get all the allergens out of his system. At that point, if the symptoms have diminished or disappeared, you can start reintroducing foods one by one.

Limited ingredient diets are available at large pet stores and specialty pet food shops. This vet has a good approach. You’ll want to always read the ingredient list of whatever you buy and remember, you can also make your own. Unfortunately, none of this is cheap. The protein source cannot be chicken or beef but must instead be something exotic like venison, duck, turkey, fish, kangaroo or ostrich. Okay, yes, most Americans don’t have a ready source for kangaroo or ostrich meat, but it’s good to know it’s out there. The key to an elimination diet is strictness. That means no treats: your pet can’t have anything except the elimination diet. Even a tiny amount of the allergen can produce symptoms.

Allergies can be time consuming, expensive, frustrating and just downright miserable for both pet and owner. Still, once you’ve tracked down the cause, it will all be worth it for your pet to enjoy a better, happier and healthier quality of life.